Fluid dispenser

ABSTRACT

Embodiments of the disclosure include a dispenser having a fluid reservoir and a pump assembly. The pump assembly includes an intake tube affixed to a pumping mechanism and at least partially disposed in the fluid reservoir, and an intake valve at least partially disposed in the intake tube. The intake valve is configured to minimize fluid from the fluid reservoir from entering the intake tube when the pump mechanism is not in use, regardless of an orientation of the dispenser.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is based upon and claims priority of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/773,312 filed Mar. 6, 2013, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

The present invention generally relates to the field of fluid dispensers, and more specifically, to improved fluid dispensers with an intake valve.

Pump assemblies are commonly used in a wide variety of applications including foam and liquid dispensers, such as for hand soap or the like. These dispensers generally include a pump assembly which can be mounted on or in an opening of a reservoir that contains a liquid to be dispensed. In foam dispensers, the pump assembly may include both a liquid pump for pumping the liquid from the reservoir and an air pump to mix air with the liquid in order to form foam. The dispensers also include a dispensing channel having a dispensing opening that foam or liquid is dispensed out of

Pump assemblies generally include an inlet, an outlet, and a series of chambers and valves. The inlet is disposed between the reservoir and the body of the pump and the outlet is disposed between the body of the pump and the dispensing aperture. The inlet often includes a check valve, such as a ball check valve, that can be selectively opened and closed. The check valve is configured to both regulate the flow of liquid from the reservoir into the pump assembly and to prevent back flow into the reservoir. Currently, air can enter the fluid reservoir during use of the pump assembly when a fluid level in the fluid reservoir is below the opening of the inlet of the pump assembly. In this case, the pump assembly will pump in air from the fluid reservoir and the air in the pump assembly does not cause the ball check valve to close quickly enough to prevent air from flowing back through the ball check valve into the fluid reservoir.

Generally, pump assemblies are configured for use in a particular orientation in which the reservoir is located below the pump assembly. In this particular orientation gravity holds the ball check valve closed and also prevents the flow of fluid from the reservoir if the pump is not actively pumping fluid. In many cases, if the pump assembly is operated with the reservoir located above the pump assembly, gravity does not prevent the flow of the fluid to/from the reservoir nor does it allow the ball check valve to seal properly to prevent flow through the pump assembly. Therefore, it is possible for the pump to be in a condition where the valves of the pump are held open allowing fluid to flow freely through the pump assembly.

SUMMARY

In an exemplary embodiment, a dispenser having a fluid reservoir and a pump assembly is provided. The pump assembly includes an intake tube affixed to a body portion and at least partially disposed in the fluid reservoir, a pumping mechanism disposed in the body portion and an intake valve at least partially disposed in the intake tube. The intake valve is configured to prevent fluid from the fluid reservoir from entering the intake tube when the pump mechanism is not in use, regardless of the orientation of the dispenser.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

The subject matter which is regarded as the invention is particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed in the claims at the conclusion of the specification. The forgoing and other features, and advantages of the invention are apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a pump assembly in accordance with an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 2 is a cross sectional view of a pump assembly in accordance with an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an intake valve for use in a pump assembly in accordance with an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 4 is a cross sectional view of an intake valve for use in a pump assembly in accordance with an exemplary embodiment; and

FIG. 5 is a cross sectional view of a portion of a pump assembly in accordance with an exemplary embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In exemplary embodiments, a fluid dispenser is provided which includes a pump assembly having an intake tube, an intake valve and an outlet valve. The intake valve may be disposed in, or at least partially in, the intake tube and the outlet valve is disposed between the pump assembly and the dispensing aperture. During the action of pumping, the intake valve is configured to allow a flow from the reservoir into the pump assembly and to then to seal while the outlet valve is opened to prevent, or minimize, fluid from continuously flowing out of the reservoir.

In order for the pump assembly to work properly, only one of the intake valve and outlet valve should be in an open position at the same time. If both valves are open at the same time, the pump assembly may not function properly. For example, if the fluid reservoir is located above the pump assembly when both valves are in an open position, fluid can flow freely through the pump assembly. The inlet valve described herein is intended to minimize a flow from the fluid reservoir into the pump assembly when the pump assembly is not in use, regardless of the orientation of the dispenser. In addition, the intake valve may be configured as a one-way valve that is used to minimize a flow from the pump assembly into the fluid reservoir. Furthermore, in the event of a malfunction of the pump assembly, the intake valve will prevent, or minimize, fluid from the fluid reservoir from freely flowing through the pump assembly.

Referring now to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, a pump assembly 100 in accordance with an exemplary embodiment is shown. The pump assembly 100 includes an intake tube 102, a body portion 106 and a dispensing portion 104. In exemplary embodiments, at least part of the intake tube 102 is configured to be disposed in a fluid reservoir. In exemplary embodiments, the body portion 106 of the pump assembly 100 includes a pumping mechanism 108 configured to pump fluid from the reservoir, through the intake tube 102 and out a dispensing aperture 112 of the dispensing portion 104.

In exemplary embodiments, the body portion 106 of the pump assembly 100 may include a ball check valve which comprises a ball 116. The ball check valve may be disposed in the body portion 106 of the pump assembly 100 where the intake tube 102 connects to the body portion 106. During operation of the pumping mechanism 108, the dispensing portion 104 compresses into the body portion 106 against a spring 114. As the dispensing portion 104 compresses, the ball 116 of the ball check valve is forced, by the fluid in the body portion 106, to engage the wall of the body portion 106, which prevents, or minimizes, a flow from the body portion 106 into the intake tube 102 and fluid reservoir. When the pumping mechanism 108 is not in use, the ball 116 may not be engaged with the wall of the body portion 106. Accordingly, depending upon the orientation of the pump assembly 100, the ball check valve may not prevent fluid from entering the intake tube 102 from the reservoir when the pump assembly 100 is not in use. If for any reason the ball check valve is open, the pump assembly 100 is not fully closed and fluid can flow out of the fluid reservoir through the pump assembly 100.

In exemplary embodiments, an intake valve 110 may be partially disposed in the intake tube 102. The intake valve 110 is configured to prevent, or minimize, a flow from the reservoir into the intake tube 102 when the pump assembly 100 is not in use, regardless of the orientation of the dispenser, or pump assembly. In exemplary embodiments, the intake valve 110 is partially disposed in the intake tube 102 and a portion of the intake valve 110 is disposed in the fluid reservoir.

In alternative embodiments, the pump assembly 100 may be configured without a ball check valve. In these embodiments, the intake valve 110 may be configured to prevent, or minimize, a flow from the fluid reservoir into the intake tube 102 and from the pump assembly 100 into the fluid reservoir.

Referring now to FIG. 3 and FIG. 4, an intake valve 110 in accordance with an exemplary embodiment is shown. The intake valve 110 includes a top portion 122, a body portion 124 and a valve portion 126. In exemplary embodiments, the valve portion 126 of the intake valve 110 is configured to have a duckbill shape. The top portion 122 is configured to have a lip 128, an intake aperture 130, and a plurality of protrusions 132 disposed on an upper surface of the lip 128. In exemplary embodiments, the lip 128 is configured to have an outer diameter which is greater than an inner diameter of the intake tube 102 of the pump assembly to prevent the intake valve 110 from completely entering the intake tube 102. In exemplary embodiments, the body portion 124 of the intake valve 110 has a diameter approximately equal to an inner diameter of the intake tube 102 of the pump assembly and the outer diameter of the lip 128 is approximately equal to, or greater than the inner diameter of the intake tube 102 of the pump assembly.

In exemplary embodiments, each of the plurality of protrusions 132 are disposed on an outer surface of the lip 128 around the intake aperture 130. In exemplary embodiments, the protrusions 132 are configured to prevent the intake aperture 130 from becoming obstructed. For example, in exemplary embodiments, the fluid reservoir may be a plastic bag filed with fluid and as the fluid is dispensed from the reservoir the plastic bag will begin to collapse. The protrusions 132 are configured to prevent the plastic bag from collapsing over, and blocking fluid flow into, the intake aperture 130.

Referring now to FIG. 5, a cross sectional view of a portion of a pump assembly in accordance with an exemplary embodiment is shown. In exemplary embodiments, the intake valve 210 may disposed completely within the intake tube 202, which has a first end that connects to the pump assembly and a second end that is disposed in the fluid reservoir. In one embodiment, the second end of the intake tube may have a lip 228 that surrounds an intake aperture 230 and a plurality of protrusions 232 disposed the surface of the lip 228. In exemplary embodiments, the protrusions 232 are configured to prevent the intake aperture 230 of the intake tube 202 from becoming obstructed. For example, in exemplary embodiments, the fluid reservoir may be a plastic bag filed with fluid and as the fluid is dispensed from the reservoir the plastic bag will begin to collapse. The protrusions 232 are configured to prevent the plastic bag from collapsing over, and blocking fluid flow into, the intake aperture 230 of the intake tube 202.

In exemplary embodiments, the intake valve 110 is made of rubber or a synthetic elastomer, and is configured to prevent, or minimize, a flow into the reservoir from the pump assembly 100 and to prevent, or minimize, fluid from flowing freely from the reservoir into the intake tube 102 when the pump assembly 100 is not in use. In exemplary embodiments, when the pump assembly 100 is not in use the intake valve 110 retains its natural flattened shape and fluid is prevented from entering the intake tube 102 from the reservoir. When the pump assembly 100 is in use the flattened end of the intake valve 110 opens to permit the fluid to pass through the intake valve 110. During operation of the pump assembly 100, the pressure in the intake tube is decreased, which allows the flattened end of the intake valve 110 to open. When pressure in the intake tube increases, the flattened end of the intake valve 110 returns to its flattened shape, preventing flow of fluid through the intake valve 110. In exemplary embodiments, the intake valve 110 is configured such that the pressure exerted on the intake valve 110 by the fluid in the reservoir is insufficient to open the intake valve 110. Accordingly, the intake valve 110 prevents fluid from flowing from the reservoir into the intake tube 102 unless the pump assembly 110 is in use.

In exemplary embodiments, the intake valve 110 is partially disposed in a first end of an intake tube 102 and the opposing end of the intake tube 102 is affixed to the body portion 106 of the pump assembly 100. In exemplary embodiments, the pump assembly 100 is configured for use in an orientation in which the fluid reservoir is disposed above the pump assembly 100 and the intake valve 110 is configured to prevent, or minimize, fluid in the reservoir from the entering the intake tube 102 when the pump assembly 100 is not in use. In exemplary embodiments, the intake valve 110 may be disposed anywhere within the intake tube 102 or where the body portion 106 connects to the intake tube 102.

In exemplary embodiments, the intake tube 102 may be a short straight tube as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. In other embodiments, the intake tube may have a u-shaped configuration, or any other of a wide variety of shapes. The intake valve 110 may be disposed at either end of the intake tube 102, or at any location in-between.

In exemplary embodiments, the intake valve decreases the amount of wasted fluid by preventing fluid from entering the pumping mechanism when the pumping mechanism is not in use. For example, the intake valve may prevent fluid from being wasted by preventing fluid from flowing from the fluid reservoir through the pumping mechanism when the pumping mechanism is not being used. In exemplary embodiments, the intake valve increases the amount of fluid able to be dispensed from the fluid reservoir by preventing air from entering into the fluid reservoir due to the inlet check valve (ball valve) from not sealing properly or quickly enough as air is pumped out of the reservoir. The new inlet valve works better at allowing fluid or air to exit the reservoir without allowing it to reenter the reservoir during the pumping process. This causes the reservoir to collapse and expel nearly all of its contents.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises” and/or “comprising,” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one more other features, integers, steps, operations, element components, and/or groups thereof.

The corresponding structures, materials, acts, and equivalents of all means or step plus function elements in the claims below are intended to include any structure, material, or act for performing the function in combination with other claimed elements as specifically claimed. The description of the present invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description, but is not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the invention in the form disclosed. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. The embodiment was chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and the practical application, and to enable others of ordinary skill in the art to understand the invention for various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated.

While the preferred embodiment to the invention has been described, it will be understood that those skilled in the art, both now and in the future, may make various improvements and enhancements which fall within the scope of the claims which follow. These claims should be construed to maintain the proper protection for the invention first described. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A dispenser comprising: a fluid reservoir; and a pump assembly comprising: an intake tube affixed to a pumping mechanism, the intake tube being at least partially disposed in the fluid reservoir; and an intake valve at least partially disposed in or coupled to the intake tube, the intake valve configured to minimize a flow of fluid from the fluid reservoir in to the pump assembly when the pumping mechanism is not in use, regardless of an orientation of the dispenser.
 2. The dispenser of claim 1, wherein the intake valve comprises a lip comprising a plurality of protrusions disposed around an intake aperture, wherein the plurality of protrusions are configured to minimize the intake aperture from becoming blocked.
 3. The dispenser of claim 2, wherein the intake valve further comprises a body portion having an outer diameter that is approximately equal to an inner diameter of the intake tube.
 4. The dispenser of claim 2, wherein the intake valve further comprises a valve portion comprising as a duckbill valve.
 5. The dispenser of claim 3, wherein the lip has an outer diameter that is larger than the inner diameter of the intake tube.
 6. The dispenser of claim 1, wherein the intake tube comprises a first end and a second end and wherein the first end of the intake tube is affixed to the pumping mechanism and intake valve is at least partially disposed in the second end.
 7. The dispenser of claim 1, wherein the intake valve is further configured as a one-way valve that prevents a flow from the pump assembly into the fluid reservoir.
 8. A pump assembly comprising: an intake tube affixed to a pumping mechanism; and an intake valve at least partially disposed in the intake tube; wherein the intake valve is configured to minimize a flow of fluid entering the intake tube when the pump mechanism is not in use, regardless of an orientation of the pump assembly.
 9. The pump assembly of claim 8, wherein the intake valve comprises a lip comprising a plurality of protrusions disposed around an intake aperture, wherein the plurality of protrusions are configured to prevent the intake aperture from becoming blocked.
 10. The pump assembly of claim 8, wherein the intake valve further comprises a valve portion comprising as a duckbill valve.
 11. The pump assembly of claim 9, wherein the lip has an outer diameter that is larger than an inner diameter of the intake tube.
 12. The pump assembly of claim 8, wherein the intake tube comprises a first end and a second end and wherein the first end of the intake tube is affixed to the pumping mechanism and intake valve is at least partially disposed in the second end.
 13. A dispenser comprising: a fluid reservoir; and a pump assembly comprising: an intake tube affixed to a pumping mechanism and at least partially disposed in the fluid reservoir; a ball check valve disposed in the pumping mechanism and configured to prevent fluid from entering into the fluid reservoir from the pumping assembly; and an intake valve configured to minimize a flow of fluid from the fluid reservoir into the pump assembly when the pumping mechanism is not in use, regardless of an orientation of the dispenser.
 14. The dispenser of claim 13, wherein the intake valve comprises a lip comprising a plurality of protrusions disposed around an intake aperture, wherein the plurality of protrusions are configured to prevent the intake aperture from becoming blocked.
 15. The dispenser of claim 14, wherein the intake valve further comprises a body portion having an outer diameter that is approximately equal to an inner diameter of the intake tube.
 16. The dispenser of claim 14, wherein the intake valve further comprises a valve portion comprising as a duckbill valve.
 17. The dispenser of claim 14, wherein the lip has an outer diameter that is larger than the inner diameter of the intake tube.
 18. The dispenser of claim 13, wherein the intake tube comprises a first end and a second end and wherein the first end of the intake tube is affixed to the body portion and intake valve is at least partially disposed in the second end.
 19. The dispenser of claim 13, wherein the intake valve is further configured as a one-way valve to prevent prevents a flow from the pump assembly into the fluid reservoir.
 20. A dispenser comprising: a fluid reservoir; and a pump assembly comprising an intake tube affixed to a pumping mechanism at a first end, the intake tube having a second end being at least partially disposed in the fluid reservoir, wherein the second end comprises a lip disposed around an intake aperture, the lip comprising a plurality of protrusions disposed around the intake aperture, wherein the plurality of protrusions are configured to prevent the intake aperture from becoming blocked. 